MLB Rumors: Will The Milwaukee Brewers Sign Zack Greinke?

By Michael Terrill

Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

The Milwaukee Brewers will be in the market for a veteran starting pitcher this off-season and could use a proven arm to help them reach the postseason in 2013. Zack Greinke was outstanding in Milwaukee and for the right price, the Brewers might just try to sign him back.

It is no secret Greinke enjoyed his time with the Brewers, especially when he took the mound at Miller Park where he went undefeated. If Milwaukee did not slump in the first half of the season Greinke never would have been traded, which would have been perfectly fine with him. Unfortunately, since the odds of the Brewers being able to re-sign the right-hander were slim it was better to get at least something for him in return.

Rumors have it Greinke turned down a five-year, $100 million contract from Milwaukee a couple of weeks before the team decided to trade him. Many believe the Brewers are able to offer a little more than that considering all of the dead weight coming off the books this year. However, they did not offer more because of the fear of the long-term deal possibly limiting what the team will be able to do in the future.

Personally, if the Brewers can get Greinke for a six-year, $120 million contract I think they should. Many believe he is not a typical No. 1 starter in baseball, but I think he certainly has the stuff to do so. Not to mention, Yovani Gallardo as the No. 2 seemed to work out very well for Milwaukee the past two years.

What are the odds of the Brewers acquiring Greinke through free agency? Considering he is the No. 1 free agent pitcher on the market, there is a good chance he will get a lot of money thrown his way by teams that can afford to do so. However, Greinke has made it very clear he does not want to go to a team where a big spotlight will constantly shine on him.

With Milwaukee being a small market team, Greinke could handle the media presence. He also felt comfortable pitching in front of a loyal fan base. Would he have to leave money on the table to come back to the Brewers? The answer is most likely, but how can one put a price on being socially comfortable? The fact is the Brewers will offer a reasonable deal, but it is up to Greinke to accept it.

In 49 games over the course of a year and a half with the Brewers, Greinke posted a 25-9 record with a 3.64 earned run average and 323 strikeouts in 281 innings during the regular season.